Ahead of the assembly polls in many states this year and the general elections next year, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India has issued a consultation paper.
States like Bengal and Delhi want to start TV channels
NEW DELHI: Ahead of the assembly polls in many states this year and the general elections next year, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) has issued a consultation paper on whether state governments, urban and local bodies, political parties and religious organisations should be allowed to offer television and radio broadcasting and distribution services. The Trai consultation paper is in response to the information and broadcasting (I&B) ministry seeking the regulator’s recommendations.
According to the consultation paper floated on Monday, several state governments including West Bengal, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and even Delhi have over the years sought the Centre’s permission to start TV or radio broadcasting services.
Among state governments, Bengal was first to want to start a TV channel. In 1999, it had proposed that West Bengal Film Development Corporation Ltd, a state government undertaking, would set up a channel. But the request was rejected by the Centre, citing a Supreme Court judgement. “Broadcasting media should be under the control of the public as distinct from the government...Government control means the control of the political party or parties in power for the time being,” the court had said.
Punjab wanted to have a broadcasting channel in collaboration with a foreign company, Globe Satellite Communication. Andhra Pradesh government had sought approval for distribution of Ku Band signals of Mana TV through commercial cable operators. Both were turned down.
Recently, Tamil Nadu Arasu Cable Corporation Ltd, a government of Tamil Nadu undertaking, filed an application with the I&B ministry for permission to work as a multi-system operator in Chennai. This request is pending. Delhi chief minister Sheila Dixit has sent a request for starting an FM radio channel or a community radio station.
The stakeholders have been asked to give their views to Trai by March 25 on whether state governments, religious and political organisations should be allowed to enter into broadcasting.
m_nivedita@dnaindia.net
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}